Professional Services News / SNS Research

Public Safety LTE Infrastructure a $800 Million Opportunity, Says SNS Research Report

Dubai, UAE -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/22/2017 -- SNS Research's latest report indicates that annual investments in public safety LTE infrastructure will surpass $800 Million by the end of 2017.

Until recently, LTE has predominantly been considered a supplementary mobile broadband technology in the public safety sector, to provide high-bandwidth data applications that cannot be delivered over existing narrowband LMR (Land Mobile Radio) systems. However, with the standardization of capabilities such as MCPTT (Mission-Critical PTT) by the 3GPP, LTE is increasingly being viewed as an all-inclusive critical communications platform for the delivery of multiple mission-critical services ranging from PTT group communications to real-time video surveillance.

A number of dedicated public safety LTE networks are already operational across the globe, ranging from nationwide systems in the oil-rich GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region to citywide networks in Spain, China, Pakistan, Laos, and Kenya. Among other notable engagements, several "early builder" networks are operational in the United States – that will subsequently merge with the wider FirstNet nationwide system; early pilot LTE networks for the Sate-Net program are in the process of being commercialized in South Korea; and Canada is beginning to see its first dedicated LTE network deployments, starting with the Halton Regional Police Service.

However, the use of LTE in the public safety sector is not restricted to dedicated networks alone. For example, the United Kingdom Home Office is in the process of deploying an ESN (Emergency Services Network) that will use British mobile operator EE's commercial LTE RAN and a dedicated mobile core to eventually replace the country's existing nationwide TETRA system. The secure MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) model is already being used in multiple European countries, albeit at a smaller scale – to complement existing TETRA networks with broadband capabilities. In addition, this approach also beginning to gain traction in other parts of the world, such as Mexico.

Driven by demand for both dedicated and secure MVNO networks, SNS Research estimates that annual investments in public safety LTE infrastructure will surpass $800 Million by the end of 2017, supporting ongoing deployments in multiple frequency bands across the 400/450 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and higher frequency ranges. The market – which includes base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport network equipment – is further expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 45% over the next three years. By 2020, these infrastructure investments will be complemented by up to 3.8 Million LTE device shipments, ranging from smartphones and ruggedized handheld terminals to vehicular routers and IoT modules.

- SNS Research estimates that annual investments in public safety LTE infrastructure will surpass $800 Million by the end of 2017. The market – which includes base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport network equipment – is further expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 45% over the next three years.

- By 2020, these infrastructure investments will be complemented by up to 3.8 Million LTE device shipments, ranging from smartphones and ruggedized handheld terminals to vehicular routers and IoT modules.

- A number of dedicated public safety LTE networks are already operational across the globe, ranging from nationwide systems in the oil-rich GCC region to citywide networks in Spain, China, Pakistan, Laos, and Kenya.

- At present, more than 45% of all public safety LTE engagements – including in-service, planned, pilot, and demo networks – utilize spectrum in the 700 MHz range, primarily Bands 14 and 28.

- Due to the unavailability of ProSe-capable chipsets and devices, several public safety stakeholders including the United Kingdom Home Office are considering the continued use of LMR terminals to support direct-mode operation, as they migrate to LTE networks.

- The wider critical communications industry is continuing to consolidate with several prominent M&A deals such as Motorola Solutions' recent acquisition of carrier-integrated PTT-over-cellular platform provider Kodiak Networks, and Hytera Communications' takeover of the Sepura Group – a well known provider of TETRA, DMR, P25 and LTE systems.

The report will be of value to current and future potential investors into the public safety LTE ecosystem, as well as enabling technology providers, LTE infrastructure and device vendors, critical communications system integrators, mobile operators and other ecosystem players who wish to broaden their knowledge of the ecosystem.

If you are interested in a more detailed overview of this report, please send an e-mail to info@snstelecom.com.

About SNS Research
SNS Research is one of the most foremost market intelligence and consulting firms for the worldwide telecommunications industry, with a particular focus on wireless infrastructure and mobile devices. Developed by leading industry analysts our market intelligence and consultancy services provide unique insights to the global telecommunications industry with information ranging from niche details of mobile handset models to tracking to large network infrastructure contracts and cellular network operator metrics. Whether your focus is strategic decision making, service development, investment or marketing, our services will allow you to make optimal decisions with self-assurance.